U.S. patent application number 15/046717 was filed with the patent office on 2016-08-25 for lateral roller support in an elliptical.
The applicant listed for this patent is ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.. Invention is credited to William T. Dalebout, Gaylen Ercanbrack.
Application Number | 20160243400 15/046717 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56690186 |
Filed Date | 2016-08-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160243400 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dalebout; William T. ; et
al. |
August 25, 2016 |
Lateral Roller Support in an Elliptical
Abstract
An exercise machine includes a frame and a resistance mechanism
attached to the frame. A crank assembly is in mechanical
communication with the resistance mechanism, and the crank assembly
includes a crank arm, a roller connected to the crank arm, and at
least one internal load bearing surface integrated into the roller.
A pedal assembly is movably attached to the crank assembly and
movable in a performance of an exercise. The pedal assembly
includes a pedal beam and a tensioned element that spans a first
portion of an underside of the pedal beam. The tensioned element
guides the roller with at least one internal load bearing surface
during the performance of the exercise.
Inventors: |
Dalebout; William T.; (North
Logan, UT) ; Ercanbrack; Gaylen; (Logan, UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ICON Health & Fitness, Inc. |
Logan |
UT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56690186 |
Appl. No.: |
15/046717 |
Filed: |
February 18, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62120254 |
Feb 24, 2015 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 22/0664 20130101;
A63B 21/151 20130101; A63B 21/0552 20130101; A63B 22/0017 20151001;
A63B 2071/0625 20130101; A63B 2071/0647 20130101; A63B 22/0023
20130101; A63B 22/0056 20130101; A63B 2022/0688 20130101; A63B
2071/065 20130101; A63B 21/0051 20130101; A63B 71/0622 20130101;
A63B 22/001 20130101; A63B 21/225 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 22/06 20060101
A63B022/06; A63B 23/04 20060101 A63B023/04; A63B 22/04 20060101
A63B022/04 |
Claims
1. An exercise machine, comprising: a frame; a resistance mechanism
attached to the frame; a crank assembly in mechanical communication
with the resistance mechanism, the crank assembly including a crank
arm, a roller connected to the crank arm, and at least one load
bearing surface integrated into the roller; and a pedal assembly
movably attached to the crank assembly, the pedal assembly
including a pedal beam, and a first tensioned element that spans a
first portion of an underside of the pedal beam; wherein the first
tensioned element engages the at least one load bearing surface and
guides the roller during operation.
2. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the first tensioned
element is a cable.
3. The exercise machine of claim 2, wherein the cable is sized to
fit within a groove formed in a surface of the roller, wherein the
at least one load bearing surface is a side wall of the groove.
4. The exercise machine of claim 3, wherein the groove is formed
within a middle seventy five percent of a rolling surface of the
roller.
5. The exercise machine of claim 1, further comprising a second
tensioned element that spans a second portion of the underside of
the pedal beam.
6. The exercise machine of claim 5, wherein the roller is disposed
between the first tensioned element and the second tensioned
element.
7. The exercise machine of claim 5, further comprising: a third
tensioned element that spans the first portion of the underside of
the pedal beam; and a fourth tensioned element that spans the
second portion of the underside of the pedal beam.
8. The exercise machine of claim 7, wherein the first tensioned
element and the second tensioned element are positioned to contact
a first load bearing surface formed in a first groove of a rolling
surface of the roller, and the third tensioned element and the
fourth tensioned element are positioned to contact a second load
bearing surface formed in a second groove of the rolling surface of
the roller.
9. The exercise machine of claim 8, wherein the first tensioned
element and the third tensioned element impose a first force on the
roller in a first direction as the roller moves during
operation.
10. The exercise machine of claim 9, wherein the first tensioned
element and the third tensioned element impose a second force on
the roller in a second direction different than the first direction
as the roller moves during operation.
11. The exercise machine of claim 5, wherein the first tensioned
element and the second tensioned element each impose an increasing
amount of resistance to movement of the roller as the roller
approaches an end location of the underside during operation.
12. The exercise machine of claim 5, wherein the first tensioned
element and the second tensioned element collectively prevent the
roller from reaching an end location of the underside in the
performance of the exercise.
13. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the at least one load
bearing surface is a side wall of a groove formed in a rolling
surface of the roller.
14. An exercise machine, comprising: a frame; a resistance
mechanism attached to the frame; a crank assembly in mechanical
communication with the resistance mechanism; the crank assembly
comprising; a crank arm; a roller connected to the crank arm; and a
first groove with at least one load bearing surface in a first side
wall formed in a rolling surface of the roller; the first groove is
formed within a middle seventy five percent of the rolling surface;
a pedal assembly movably attached to the crank assembly and movable
in a performance of an exercise; the pedal assembly, comprising: a
pedal beam; a first cable that spans a first portion of an
underside of the pedal beam; the first cable is sized to fit within
the first groove of the roller; wherein the first cable guides the
roller with at least one internal load bearing surface during the
performance of the exercise.
15. The exercise machine of claim 14, further comprising: a second
cable that spans a second portion of the underside of the pedal
beam.
16. The exercise machine of claim 15, wherein the roller is
disposed between the first cable and the second cable.
17. The exercise machine of claim 16, further comprising: a third
cable that spans the first portion of the underside of the pedal
beam; and a fourth cable that spans the second portion of the
underside of the pedal beam.
18. The exercise machine of claim 17, wherein the first cable and
the second cable are positioned to contact the first side wall
formed in the first groove, and the third cable and the fourth
cable are positioned to contact a second side wall formed in a
second groove of the rolling surface of the roller.
19. The exercise machine of claim 18, wherein the first cable and
the third cable impose a first force on the roller in a first
direction as the roller moves with the performance of the exercise,
and the first cable and the third cable impose a second force on
the roller in a second direction different than the first direction
as the roller moves with the performance of the exercise.
20. An exercise machine, comprising: a frame; a resistance
mechanism attached to the frame; a crank assembly in mechanical
communication with the resistance mechanism; the crank assembly,
comprising: a crank arm; and a roller connected to the crank arm;
and a first groove with at least one load bearing surface in a
first side wall formed in a rolling surface of the roller; the
first groove is formed within a middle seventy five percent of the
rolling surface; a pedal assembly movably attached to the crank
assembly and movable in a performance of an exercise; the pedal
assembly, comprising: a pedal beam; a first cable that spans a
first portion of an underside of the pedal beam; a second cable
that spans a second portion of the underside of the pedal beam; a
third cable that spans the first portion of the underside of the
pedal beam; and a fourth cable that spans the second portion of the
underside of the pedal beam; the roller is disposed between the
first cable and the second cable; the first cable and the second
cable are positioned to contact the first side wall formed in the
first groove, and the third cable and the fourth cable are
positioned to contact a second side wall formed in a second groove
of the rolling surface of the roller; and wherein the first cable
and the third cable impose a first force on the roller in a first
direction as the roller moves with the performance of the exercise,
and the first cable and the third cable impose a second force on
the roller in a second direction different than the first direction
as the roller moves with the performance of the exercise.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application
Ser. No. 62/120,254 titled "Lateral Roller Support in an
Elliptical" and filed on Feb. 24, 2015, which application is herein
incorporated by reference for all that it discloses.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Aerobic exercise is a popular form of exercise that improves
one's cardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure and
providing other benefits to the human body. Aerobic exercise
generally involves low intensity physical exertion over a long
duration of time. Generally, the human body can adequately supply
enough oxygen to meet the body's demands at the intensity levels
involved with aerobic exercise. Popular forms of aerobic exercise
include running, jogging, swimming, and cycling among others
activities. In contrast, anaerobic exercise often involves high
intensity exercises over a short duration of time. Popular forms of
anaerobic exercise include strength training and short distance
running.
[0003] Many choose to perform aerobic exercises indoors, such as in
a gym or their home. Often, a user will use an aerobic exercise
machine to have an aerobic workout indoors. One such type of
aerobic exercise machine is an elliptical exercise machine, which
often includes foot supports that move in fixed reciprocating
directions when moved by the feet of a user. Often, the foot
supports will be mechanically linked to arm levers that can be held
by the user during the workout. The arm levers and foot supports
move together and collectively provide selective resistance against
the user's motion during the user's workout. Other popular exercise
machines that allow a user to perform aerobic exercises indoors
include treadmills, rowing machines, stepper machines, and
stationary bikes, to name a few.
[0004] One type of exercise device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
5,993,359 issued to Paul Eschenbach, et al. In this reference, a
standup cross trainer exercise apparatus simulates walking and
jogging, having separately supported pedals for the feet and arm
exercise, coordinated with the motion of the feet. Foot pedals move
with a back and forth movement following an elongate curve path
that has adjustable curve length during operation. The stride
length of the foot pedals is adjustable to accommodate both long
and short leg users. Foot pedals move with smooth elliptical motion
resulting from a linkage mechanism having smooth orbital motion
without the characteristic turnaround jerk associated with
reciprocating member elliptical drives. Arm exercise in the
disclosed reference is coordinated with the motion of the feet and
adjusts with longer or shorter pedal strides to accommodate taller
or shorter users. Other types of exercise machines are disclosed in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,422,977 issued to Paul Eschenbach, et al. and
7,468,021 issued to Daniel R. Moon; and in U.S. Patent Publication
No. 2007/0054779 issued to Lung-huei Lee. All of these references
are herein incorporated by reference for all that they contain.
SUMMARY
[0005] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, an
exercise machine includes a frame and a resistance mechanism
attached to the frame. A crank assembly is in mechanical
communication with the resistance mechanism, and the crank assembly
includes a crank arm, a roller connected to the crank arm, and at
least one internal load bearing surface integrated into the roller.
A pedal assembly is movably attached to the crank assembly and
movable in a performance of an exercise. The pedal assembly
includes a pedal beam and a tensioned element that spans a first
portion of an underside of the pedal beam. The tensioned element
guides the roller with at least one internal load bearing surface
during the performance of the exercise.
[0006] In one aspect of the invention, the tensioned element is a
cable.
[0007] In one aspect of the invention, the cable is sized to fit
within a groove formed in a surface of the roller, wherein the at
least one internal load bearing surface is a side wall of the
groove.
[0008] In one aspect of the invention, the groove is formed within
a middle seventy five percent of a rolling surface of the
roller.
[0009] In one aspect of the invention, the exercise machine further
includes a second tensioned element that spans a second portion of
the underside of the pedal beam.
[0010] In one aspect of the invention, the cable is sized to fit
within a groove formed in a surface of the roller the roller is
disposed between the first tensioned element and the second
tensioned element.
[0011] In one aspect of the invention, the exercise machine further
includes a third tensioned element that spans the first portion of
the underside of the pedal beam.
[0012] In one aspect of the invention, the exercise machine further
includes a fourth tensioned element that spans the second portion
of the underside of the pedal beam.
[0013] In one aspect of the invention, the first tensioned element
and the second tensioned element are positioned to contact a first
internal load bearing surface formed in a first groove of a rolling
surface of the roller, and the third tensioned element and the
fourth tensioned element are positioned to contact a second
internal load bearing surface formed in a second groove of the
rolling surface of the roller.
[0014] In one aspect of the invention, the first tensioned element
and the third tensioned element impose a first force on the roller
in a first direction as the roller moves with the performance of
the exercise.
[0015] In one aspect of the invention, the first tensioned element
and the third tensioned element impose a second force on the roller
in a second direction different than the first direction as the
roller moves with the performance of the exercise.
[0016] In one aspect of the invention, the first tensioned element
and the second tensioned element each impose an increasing amount
of resistance to movement of the roller as the roller approaches an
underside location of the underside in the performance of an
exercise.
[0017] In one aspect of the invention, the first tensioned element
and the second tensioned element collectively prevent the roller
from reaching an underside location of the underside in the
performance of an exercise.
[0018] In one aspect of the invention, the at least one internal
load bearing surface is a side wall of a groove formed in a rolling
surface of the roller.
[0019] In one aspect of the invention, an exercise machine includes
a frame.
[0020] In one aspect of the invention, a resistance mechanism is
attached to the frame.
[0021] In one aspect of the invention, a crank assembly is in
mechanical communication with the resistance mechanism.
[0022] In one aspect of the invention, the crank assembly includes
a crank arm.
[0023] In one aspect of the invention, the crank assembly includes
a roller connected to the crank arm
[0024] In one aspect of the invention, the crank assembly includes
roller connected to the crank arm.
[0025] In one aspect of the invention, a first groove with at least
one load bearing surface in a first side wall formed in a rolling
surface of the roller.
[0026] In one aspect of the invention, the groove is formed within
a middle seventy five percent of the rolling surface.
[0027] In one aspect of the invention, a pedal assembly movably
attached to the crank assembly and movable in a performance of an
exercise.
[0028] In one aspect of the invention, the pedal assembly includes
a pedal beam.
[0029] In one aspect of the invention, the pedal assembly includes
a cable that spans a first portion of an underside of the pedal
beam.
[0030] In one aspect of the invention, the cable is sized to fit
within the first groove of the roller.
[0031] In one aspect of the invention, the cable guides the roller
with at least one internal load bearing surface during the
performance of the exercise.
[0032] In one aspect of the invention, the exercise machine
includes a second cable that spans a second portion of the
underside of the pedal beam.
[0033] In one aspect of the invention, the roller is disposed
between the first cable and the second cable.
[0034] In one aspect of the invention, the exercise machine
includes a third cable that spans the first portion of the
underside of the pedal beam.
[0035] In one aspect of the invention, the exercise machine
includes a fourth cable that spans the second portion of the
underside of the pedal beam.
[0036] In one aspect of the invention, the first cable and the
second cable are positioned to contact the first side wall formed
in a first groove, and the third cable and the fourth cable are
positioned to contact a second side wall formed in a second groove
of the rolling surface of the roller.
[0037] In one aspect of the invention, the first cable and the
third cable impose a first force on the roller in a first direction
as the roller moves with the performance of the exercise, and the
first cable and the third cable impose a second force on the roller
in a second direction different than the first direction as the
roller moves with the performance of the exercise.
[0038] In one aspect of the invention, an exercise machine includes
a frame.
[0039] In one aspect of the invention, a resistance mechanism is
attached to the frame.
[0040] In one aspect of the invention, a crank assembly is in
mechanical communication with the resistance mechanism.
[0041] In one aspect of the invention, the crank assembly includes
a crank arm.
[0042] In one aspect of the invention, the crank assembly includes
a roller connected to the crank arm.
[0043] In one aspect of the invention, the crank assembly includes
a first groove with at least one load bearing surface in a first
side wall formed in a rolling surface of the roller.
[0044] In one aspect of the invention, the crank assembly includes
that the groove is formed within a middle seventy five percent of
the rolling surface.
[0045] In one aspect of the invention, a pedal assembly is movably
attached to the crank assembly and movable in a performance of an
exercise.
[0046] In one aspect of the invention, the pedal assembly includes
a pedal beam.
[0047] In one aspect of the invention, the pedal assembly includes
a first cable that spans a first portion of an underside of the
pedal beam.
[0048] In one aspect of the invention, the pedal assembly a second
cable that spans a second portion of the underside of the pedal
beam.
[0049] In one aspect of the invention, the pedal assembly includes
a third cable that spans the first portion of the underside of the
pedal beam.
[0050] In one aspect of the invention, the pedal assembly includes
a fourth cable that spans the second portion of the underside of
the pedal beam.
[0051] In one aspect of the invention, the roller is disposed
between the first cable and the second cable.
[0052] In one aspect of the invention, the first cable and the
second cable are positioned to contact the first side wall formed
in a first groove, and the third cable and the fourth cable are
positioned to contact a second side wall formed in a second groove
of the rolling surface of the roller.
[0053] In one aspect of the invention, the first cable and the
third cable impose a first force on the roller in a first direction
as the roller moves with the performance of the exercise, and the
first cable and the third cable impose a second force on the roller
in a second direction different than the first direction as the
roller moves with the performance of the exercise.
[0054] Any of the aspects of the invention detailed above may be
combined with any other aspect of the invention detailed
herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0055] The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of
the present apparatus and are a part of the specification. The
illustrated embodiments are merely examples of the present
apparatus and do not limit the scope thereof.
[0056] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example of an
exercise machine in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0057] FIG. 2 illustrates a side cross sectional view of an example
of an exercise machine in accordance with the present
disclosure.
[0058] FIG. 3A illustrates a side view of an example of a pedal
beam in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0059] FIG. 3B illustrates a side view of an example of a pedal
beam in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0060] FIG. 3C illustrates a side view of an example of a pedal
beam in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0061] FIG. 4A illustrates an example of a roller in accordance
with the present disclosure.
[0062] FIG. 4B illustrates an example of a roller in accordance
with the present disclosure.
[0063] FIG. 4C illustrates an example of a roller in accordance
with the present disclosure.
[0064] FIG. 4D illustrates an example of a roller in accordance
with the present disclosure.
[0065] FIG. 4E illustrates an example of a roller in accordance
with the present disclosure.
[0066] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a roller in accordance with
the present disclosure.
[0067] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of an exercise machine in
accordance with the present disclosure.
[0068] FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of an example of an exercise
machine in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0069] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of an exercise machine in
accordance with the present disclosure.
[0070] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a pedal assembly in
accordance with the present disclosure.
[0071] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a roller in accordance
with the present disclosure.
[0072] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of an exercise machine in
accordance with the present disclosure.
[0073] Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers
designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0074] Particularly, with reference to the figures, FIGS. 1 and 2
depict an example of an exercise machine 100. The exercise machine
100 includes a frame 102 attached to a base 104. The frame 102
includes a first post 108 and a second post 110. A console 112 is
connected to the first and second posts 108, 110. The first frame
post 108 incorporates a first flywheel 114, and the second frame
post 110 incorporates a second flywheel 116. The first flywheel 114
is connected to a first pedal assembly 118 through a crank assembly
120, and the second flywheel 116 is connected to a second pedal
assembly 122 through the crank assembly 120.
[0075] The crank assembly 120 includes a first crank arm 124
connected to the first flywheel 114 and a second crank arm
connected to the second flywheel 116. Each of the first crank arm
124 and the second crank arm 123 include a roller 125 that supports
the weight of the pedal assemblies 118, 122 and a user standing
thereon.
[0076] Each of the first pedal assembly 118 and the second pedal
assembly 122 includes a pedal beam 126, and a pedal 128 is
connected to the pedal beam 126. The pedal 128 may include a
gripping surface 130 to grip a user's shoe as a user executes an
exercise with the exercise machine 100. The pedal 128 may be bolted
or otherwise fastened to the pedal beam 126.
[0077] A front end 150 of the pedal beam 126 of the first pedal
assembly 118 is connected to a first arm lever 152 that connects to
the frame 102 at a first pivot connection 154. The first pivot
connection 154 is also attached to a first handle section 156 which
is accessible to the user as the user is performing an exercise
with the exercise machine 100. The pedal beam 126 of the second
pedal assembly 122 is connected to a second arm lever 160 that
connects to the frame 102 at a second pivot connection 162. The
second pivot connection 162 is also attached to a second handle
section 164 which is also accessible to the user as the user is
performing an exercise with the exercise machine 100. As the pedal
beams 126 move, the first and second handle sections 156, 164 move
accordingly.
[0078] The console 112 may contain a display and controls. The
controls may allow the user to specify a resistance level to be
applied by the resistance mechanism, such as the first and second
flywheels 114, 116. In some examples, the controls may also be used
to control other operating parameters of the exercise machine, such
as incline, side to side tilt, resistance, speaker volume,
programmed exercise routines, other parameters, or combinations
thereof. The display may show selected parameters to the user.
Additionally, the display may be capable of presenting the user's
physiological parameters, timers, clocks, scenery, routes, other
types of information, or combinations thereof.
[0079] The pedal beam 126 includes an underside 132 with a first
tensioned element 134 that spans at least a portion of the length
of the underside 132. The tensioned element may be attached to a
first underside location 136 at a first tensioned element end 138,
and attached to a second underside location 140 at a second
tensioned element end 142. In some examples, the tensioned element
spans the entire length of the underside 132. Further, a second
tensioned element 144 may also span at least a portion of the
underside 132. In the illustrated example, the second tensioned
element spans the entire length of the underside 132. In some
examples, the first tensioned element 134 may span a different
portion of the underside 132 than the second tensioned element 144,
but such portions include an overlapping section in which the
roller can travel. Further, in other examples, the first tensioned
element 134 and the second tensioned element 144 span the same
portion of the underside 132. In some examples, the first and
second tensioned elements 134, 144 may have different tensions.
[0080] The roller 125 of the first and second crank arms 124, 123
may engage the first tensioned element 134. In some examples, the
roller 125 is continuously engaged with the first tensioned element
134 during the performance of an exercise. Further, the first
tensioned element 134 may be engaged with the roller 125 when the
exercise machine 100 is not being used in the performance of an
exercise. Further, the second tensioned element 144 may be
continuously engaged with the roller 125 during the performance of
an exercise. However, in some examples, the second tensioned
element 144 is intermittently engaged with the roller 125 during a
performance of an exercise. In such examples, the second tensioned
element 144 may or may not be engaged with the roller 125 when the
exercise machine is not being used during the performance of an
exercise.
[0081] In the illustrated example, the first tensioned element 134
and the second tensioned element 144 are cables. However, any
appropriate type of tensioned element may be used in accordance
with the principles described in the present disclosure. For
example, the tensioned elements may be straps, bands, belts,
members made of an elastic material, other types of tensioned
elements, or combinations thereof.
[0082] Further, a third tensioned element 146 and a fourth
tensioned element 148 may also be attached to the underside 132 of
the pedal beam 126. The third tensioned element 146 may apply a
force in the same, or at least a similar direction, as the first
tensioned element 134. The fourth tensioned element 148 may apply a
force in the same, or at least a similar direction, as the second
tensioned element 144. For example, the first and third tensioned
elements 134, 146 may contact a top portion of the roller 125, and
the second and fourth tensioned elements 144, 148 may contact a
bottom portion of the roller.
[0083] In some cases, the pedal beams 126 can move some distance
laterally even though the roller 125 is constructed to limit the
lateral movement of the tensioned element. The tensioned element
may include an elastic type material the stretches while under
tension. Thus, as a lateral load moves the pedal beam 126
laterally, the tensioned element may stretch in a lateral
direction. However, the tensioned element may reduce or otherwise
restrict the amount of lateral movement that the pedal beams 126
can move. In some examples, the tensioned element can eliminate the
lateral movement of the pedal beam 126 with respect to the roller
125.
[0084] FIGS. 3A-3C depict the relative movement of the roller 125
and the tensioned elements 134, 144. FIG. 3A depicts the roller 125
approaching a first underside location 136. FIG. 3B depicts the
roller moving within a mid-section 300 of the underside 132. FIG.
3C depicts the roller approaching a second underside location 140.
One or more of the first and second underside locations 136, 140
may be an end of the pedal beam's underside 126. In other examples,
one of more of the underside locations is located along a
mid-portion of the underside 132. For example, the first underside
location 136 depicted in FIG. 2 is located in a mid-section of the
underside 132, while the second underside location 140 is located
at an end of the underside. In other examples, both of the first
and second underside locations 136, 140 are located in mid-portions
of the underside 132. In yet other examples, both of the first and
second underside locations 136, 140 are proximate or at the
underside ends. In an additional example, the second underside
location 140 is located in a mid-portion of the underside 132 while
the first underside location is located at or near an underside
end.
[0085] In some examples, the roller 125 is continuously engaged
with the first tensioned element 134 during the performance of an
exercise as is depicted across FIGS. 3A-3C. Further, the first
tensioned element 134 may be engaged with the roller 125 when the
exercise machine 100 is not being used in the performance of an
exercise.
[0086] The second tensioned element 144 may be continuously engaged
with the roller 125 during the performance of an exercise. However,
in the illustrated examples, the second tensioned element 144 is
intermittently engaged with the roller 125 during a performance of
an exercise. In such examples, the second tensioned element 144 may
or may not be engaged with the roller 125 when the exercise machine
is not being used during the performance of an exercise depending
on the location of roller along the underside's length when the
exercise machine 100 is at rest. For example, the roller 125 may
not be engaged with the second tensioned element 134 within a
middle region of the second tensioned element 134.
[0087] The first tensioned element 134 may impose a force on the
roller 125 in a first direction. When the exercise machine 100 is
in an upright position, the direction of the force imposed by the
first tensioned element 134 may be a downward direction. In such an
example, the roller 125 may impose an upward force on the first
tensioned element 134 such that the first tensioned element 134 is
urged upward at the point where the roller 125 and the first
tensioned element 134 are engaged. In the performance of an
exercise, the user may move the pedal beams 126 in a reciprocating
motion. As the pedal beams 126 move, the point of contact between
the roller 125 and the first tensioned element 134 changes. The
roller 125 may move relative to the first tensioned element 134
along the length of the first tensioned element 134. As the roller
125 approaches one of the underside locations of the pedal beam
126, the angle formed between the roller 125 and the first
tensioned element 134 changes such that the angle is steeper on the
side with the approaching underside location. As a result, the
resistance to the roller's movement from the first tensioned
element 134 increases.
[0088] Additionally, the second tensioned element 144 also engages
the roller 125 as the roller 125 approaches the underside locations
136, 140. Consequently, the second tensioned element also imposes a
resistance to the movement of the roller 125. The second tensioned
element 144 imposes an upward force on the roller 125 in a
different direction to the forces imposed on the roller 125 from
the first tensioned element. For example, the force imposed by the
first tensioned element changes based on the location of the
contact point between the first tensioned element 134 and the
roller 125. However, as the contact point approaches the underside
locations, the first tensioned element imposes a force with a
downward component and a lateral component opposite of the
direction that the roller 125 is traveling. When the second
tensioned element 144 engages the roller 125, the second tensioned
element 144 imposes an force with an upward component and a lateral
component. Thus, the force from the second tensioned element 144 is
different than the forces imposed by the first tensioned element
134. However, collectively, the forces from the first tensioned
element 134 and the second tensioned element 144 resist the
movement of the roller 125 as the roller 125 approaches the
underside locations. In some cases, these combined forces may
prevent the roller 125 from reaching the underside locations.
[0089] FIGS. 4A-4E depict examples of rollers 125 that may be used
with the examples described above. For example, the roller 125
depicted in FIG. 4A includes a first groove 400 and a second groove
402 formed in a rolling surface 404 of the roller 125. Each of the
first and second grooves 400, 402 may include a first side wall
406, a second side wall 408, and a groove floor 410. The first and
second grooves 400, 402 may be sized to receive the tensioned
elements described above. For example, the first tensioned element
134 may engage the roller 125 in a top side 412 of the first groove
400, the second tensioned element 144 may engage the roller 125 in
the top side 412 of the second groove 402, the third tensioned
element 146 may engage the roller 125 in a bottom side 414 of the
first groove 400, and the fourth tensioned element 148 may engage
the roller 125 in the bottom side 414 of the second groove 402. In
some examples, one or both of the first and second side walls 406,
408 may be lateral load bearing surfaces that are capable of
resisting the tensioned element's lateral loads. Such lateral load
bearing surfaces may resist the roller 125, and therefore other
components of their respective pedal assemblies, from significantly
moving in a lateral direction during the performance of an
exercise. While the tensioned elements may still allow for some
lateral movement, the first and second side walls 406, 408 may
restrict the lateral movement of the respective pedal assemblies
during the performance of an exercise.
[0090] In examples where at least one cable is used as a tensioned
element, the cable may have a sufficient diameter to resist lateral
loads and may outperform flatter tensioned elements with a small
thickness. For example, straps with a relatively thin thickness
compared to the width of the strap risk buckling along their width
when a side load is imposed when the height of the load bearing
surface is approximately the thickness of the side wall. Such
buckling compromises the straps' ability to be retained by a
lateral load bearing surface as the strap may move over the lateral
load bearing surface. However, in examples incorporating a cable as
the tensioned element, the diameter of the cable may be sufficient
to resist lateral buckling thereby restraining the cable within the
groove. In examples where a cable is used and the height of the
side wall is about the diameter of the cable, the cable and side
wall can resist the lateral loads with much less risk of
buckling.
[0091] In the example of FIG. 4B, the first and second groove 400,
402 have a greater width that those depicted in FIG. 4A. The larger
widths may allow for wider straps to be attached to the underside
132 of the pedal beams 126. In other examples, multiple cables or
other types of tensioned elements may be engaged within each of the
first and second grooves 400, 402.
[0092] In the examples of FIGS. 4A and 4B, the multiple grooves
400, 402 may be within the middle seventy five percent of the
rolling surface 404 of the roller 125. Likewise, one or more of the
lateral load bearing surfaces may be within the middle seventy five
percent. In other examples, the lateral load bearing surfaces may
be within a middle sixty five percent of the rolling surface 404, a
middle fifty percent of the rolling surface 404, a middle thirty
five percent of the rolling surface 404, a middle twenty five
percent of the rolling surface 404, a middle ten percent of the
rolling surface 404, another middle percentage of the rolling
surface 404, or combinations thereof.
[0093] In the example of FIG. 4C, a single wide groove 400 is
formed in the rolling surface 404 of the roller 125. In such an
example, a strap, multiple cables, or other types of tensioned
elements may be used to engage the roller 125 in the groove. In
examples where multiple tensioned elements are used within the same
groove, the side walls 406, 408 may resist the collective lateral
loads of the multiple tensioned elements. For example, a first
tensioned element within a single groove may impose a lateral force
on a second tensioned element within the same groove. The lateral
load from the first tensioned element may cause the second
tensioned element to move into the side wall of the groove where
the side wall resists the movement of the second tensioned element
from moving laterally any more. The result of resisting the second
tensioned element from moving any more also resists the first
tensioned element's movement. Thus, the lateral load bearing
surface of the side walls 406, 408 may resist movement of those
tensioned element in which they are not in direct contact.
[0094] In the example of FIG. 4D, a single narrow 400 groove is
formed in the rolling surface 404. In this example, the single
groove may accommodate a narrow tensioned element. In some
examples, the single tensioned element is a cable. While the
examples above depict a single groove that is centered in the
rolling surface 404 or multiple grooves that are symmetric in the
rolling surface 404, one or more of the groove may be positioned
asymmetrically in the rolling surface 404.
[0095] FIG. 4E depicts a rolling surface 404 without any grooves.
In such an example, the roller 125 does not prevent the tensioned
element from slipping off of the roller 125 other than with the
friction between the tensioned element and the rolling surface 404.
In some examples, the lateral friction between the tensioned
element and the rolling surface 404 is sufficient to prevent the
tensioned element from slipping off of the roller 125. In other
examples, the rolling surface 404 has a low friction surface.
[0096] In the example of FIG. 5, the exercise machine 100 includes
a pedal assembly 500 with a pedal beam 126 and a roller 125. In
this example, the strap tensioned element 502 is a strap that
imposes a first force on the roller 125. The strap tensioned
element 502 imposes a downward force on the roller 125 when the
exercise machine 100 is in an upright position during the
performance of an exercise. As the roller 125 approaches the
underside locations 136, 140, the angle of the force imposed by the
strap tensioned element 502 changes to slow down the roller 125
and, in some cases, resists the roller 125 from reaching the
underside locations 136, 140.
[0097] FIG. 5 also depicts at least one cable tensioned element 504
spanning a portion of the underside 132. These cable tensioned
elements 504 may engage the roller 125 in grooves that incorporate
at least one lateral load bearing surface. Thus, one of the
tensioned elements may resist lateral movement of the roller 125
while at least one other tensioned element contributes less or not
at all to resisting lateral movement of the roller 125. The cable
tensioned elements 504 may impose a force on the roller 125 in a
different direction than the strap tensioned element 502. For
example, the cable tensioned elements 504 may impose a force on the
roller 125 that has at least an upward component. In some cases,
the cable tensioned elements 504 may not be engaged with the roller
125 during certain portions of the pedal beam's underside 132, such
as in the middle of the portion. In other examples, the cable
tensioned elements 504 are in continuous contact with the roller
125 throughout the performance of the exercise.
[0098] While this example depicts two types of tensioned elements
being used in the exercise machine, other types of tensioned
elements may be used in combination with each other. In alternative
examples, the cable tensioned element 504 may impose a force with a
downward component on the roller 125, while in other examples, the
strap tensioned element 502 is used to impose a force with an
upward component on the roller 125. In yet other examples, the
strap and cable elements may be used to direct a force on the
roller from the same side of the roller. In further examples, the
belt tensioned elements or other types of tensioned elements may be
used to direct forces with upward components or downward components
on the roller 125.
[0099] In the examples of FIGS. 6 and 7, the exercise machine 100
includes a resistance mechanism 600 that includes a flywheel 602
and a transmission 604. At least a portion of the resistance
mechanism 600 is positioned between a first pedal assembly 606 and
a second pedal assembly 608. In some examples, just a portion of
the transmission 604 is positioned between the first and second
pedal assemblies 606, 608. While in other examples, the flywheel
602 and the transmission 604 are depicted between the first and
second pedal assemblies 606, 608. Further, in an example, the
resistance mechanism 600 includes a flywheel 602 that is connected
directly to a crank axle 610.
[0100] The transmission 604 may include a transmission belt, a
transmission chain, another type of transmission linkage, or
combinations thereof that connect the flywheel 602 to the crank
axle 610. The transmission 604 may connect to a flywheel axle 612,
to an outer surface 614 of the flywheel 602, or to another
component of a flywheel assembly Likewise, another end of the
transmission 604 may connect directly to the crank axle 610 or to
another portion of the crank assembly in communication with the
crank axle.
[0101] As the user moves the pedal beams 126 of the first and
second pedal assemblies 606, 608, the crank assembly 616 causes the
crank axle 610 to rotate. The flywheel 602 moves with the rotation
of the crank axle 610 through the linkage of the transmission
604.
[0102] In some examples, the rotation of the flywheel 602, and
therefore the rotation of the crank axle 610 and the first and
second pedal assemblies 606, 608 is resisted with a magnetic force.
Such a magnetic force may be imposed on the flywheel 602 from a
magnetic unit 618 that is adjacent the flywheel 602. The magnetic
unit 618 may be movable with respect to the flywheel 602. In such
examples, the magnetic resistance on the flywheel 602 may be
changed by moving the magnetic unit 618 with respect to the
flywheel 602. In other examples, the magnetic force from the
magnetic unit can be altered with varying amounts of electrical
power. In these examples, the amount of magnetic resistance imposed
on the flywheel 602 may be varied by altering the amount of
electrical power supplied to the magnetic unit.
[0103] FIG. 8 depicts an example of an exercise machine 100 where
the first and second pedal assemblies 606, 608 have tensioned
elements 800 positioned to engage the roller 125 from a top side
802. These tensioned elements 800 may impose a force on the roller
125 with at least a downward component during the performance of an
exercise. Further, the tensioned elements 800 may include at least
one cable that is positioned to engage the roller 125 in a groove
400 formed in the rolling surface 404 of the roller 125. The groove
400 may include at least one groove wall 406 that includes a
lateral load bearing surface. Such a groove 400 can reduce the
amount of movement that the tensioned element 800 can move
laterally.
[0104] FIG. 9 includes an example of an exercise machine that
includes a frame and a resistance mechanism attached to the frame.
In this example, a crank assembly is in mechanical communication
with the resistance mechanism. The crank assembly includes a crank
arm and a roller 900 connects to the crank arm. At least one
internal load bearing surface 902 is integrated into the roller
900. A pedal assembly is movably attached to the crank assembly and
is movable in the performance of an exercise. The pedal assembly
may include a pedal beam and at least one tensioned element 904
that spans a portion of the underside of the pedal beam. The
tensioned element 904 guides the roller 900 with the internal
lateral load bearing surface during the performance of the
exercise.
[0105] FIG. 10 depicts an example of an exercise machine 100 that
includes a frame and a resistance mechanism 1001 attached to the
frame. A crank assembly 1000 is in mechanical communication the
resistance mechanism 1001, and the crank assembly 1000 includes a
crank axle 1002, a crank arm 1004 connected to the crank axle 1002,
and roller connected to a distal end 1006 of the crank arm 1004.
The exercise machine 100 includes a first pedal assembly 1008
movably attached to the crank assembly 1000 and movable in the
performance of an exercise, and a second pedal assembly 1010
movably attached to the crank assembly 1000 and movable in the
performance of the exercise.
[0106] Each of the first pedal assembly 1008 and the second pedal
assembly 1010 includes a pedal beam 1012 and a tensioned element
spanning at least a portion of an underside of the pedal beam 1012.
At least a portion of the resistance mechanism is disposed between
the first pedal assembly and the second pedal assembly.
[0107] FIG. 11 depicts an example of an exercise machine that
includes a frame and a resistance mechanism attached to the frame.
A crank assembly is in mechanical communication with the resistance
mechanism. The crank assembly includes a crank arm and a roller
1100 connected to the crank arm. The exercise machine also includes
a pedal assembly movably attached to the crank assembly and movable
in the performance of an exercise. The pedal assembly includes a
pedal beam 1102, a first tensioned element 1104 that spans at a
first portion of the underside 1106, and a second tensioned element
1108 that spans a second portion of the underside 1106 of the pedal
beam 1102. The roller 1100 is disposed between the first tensioned
element 1104 and the second tensioned element 1108.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0108] In general, the systems and methods disclosed herein may
provide the user with an exercise machine that includes a frame and
a resistance mechanism attached to the frame. A crank assembly is
in mechanical communication with the resistance mechanism. The
crank assembly includes a crank arm and a roller connected to the
crank arm. The exercise machine also includes a pedal assembly
movably attached to the crank assembly and movable in the
performance of an exercise. The pedal assembly may include a pedal
beam, a first tensioned element that spans at a first portion of
the underside, and a second tensioned element that spans a second
portion of the underside of the pedal beam. In such cases, the
roller may be disposed between the first tensioned element and the
second tensioned element.
[0109] The pedal beam includes an underside with a first tensioned
element that spans at least a portion of the length of the
underside. The tensioned element may be attached to a first
underside location at a first tensioned element end and attached to
a second underside location at a second tensioned element end. In
some examples, the tensioned element spans the entire length of the
underside. Further, a second tensioned element may also span at
least a portion of the underside. In the illustrated example, the
second tensioned element may span the entire length of the
underside. In some examples, the first tensioned element may span a
different portion of the underside than the second tensioned
element, but such different portions may have regions the overlap
where the roller can operate. Further, in other examples, the first
tensioned element and the second tensioned element span the same
portion of the underside.
[0110] Connecting the crank assembly to the pedal assemblies by
engaging the rollers with the tensioned elements allows the user to
move the pedal assemblies with more degrees of freedom than
possible with conventional elliptical exercise machines. For
example, a conventional elliptical exercise machine connects the
various components of the crank assembly to the pedal and arm
assemblies with rigid or sliding connections that require the foot
support of the conventional elliptical exercise machine to travel
along a fixed pathway. In such conventional elliptical exercise
machines, the path of reciprocating travel involves the foot
support traveling at the same angular distance along an entire
revolution of the pedal. However, with an exercise machine as
described above, the user has additional degrees of freedom. For
example, the user may slide the pedal with respect to the pedal
beam. Thus, the angular distance for each revolution can change
based on how the user chooses to move his or her feet. To change
such an angular distance, the user does not have to get off of the
exercise machine and make a mechanical adjustment to the pedal.
Instead, the user can merely move his or her feet as desired during
the performance of the exercise to make the desired changes.
Further, the exercise machine described above allows the user to
exercise without having to make revolutions with the pedals at all.
For example, the user may use the exercise machine described above
as a stepper machine. As mentioned above, the user does not have to
make a mechanical adjustment to the components of the exercise
machine to change the travel path from a stepping path to a
revolution path. The user may merely move his or her feet in the
desired direction and the pedals will follow. Thus, the roller and
tensioned element arrangement as described above offer degrees of
freedom not realized by conventional elliptical exercise
machines.
[0111] Further, the elasticity of the tensioned elements impose a
lower amount of stress on the user's joints during the performance
of the exercise. In conventional elliptical exercise machines, the
crank and pedal assemblies often include just rigid elements that
impose some strain on a user as the user moves the pedals. However,
the connection with the tensioned elements to the crank assembly
further reduces the strain on the user's joints.
[0112] By trapping the roller between the first and second
tensioned elements, the roller is prevented from becoming dislodged
from the pedal beam during the performance of the exercise.
Further, the first tensioned element and the second tensioned
element can impose forces on the roller that prevent the roller
from actually reaching the end of the pedal beam's underside as the
roller moves along the length of the underside. In some cases,
where an upward force is imposed on the pedal beams such that the
roller disengages from the first tensioned element, the second
tensioned element may engage the roller, thereby preventing the
pedal beam from becoming separated from the pedal assembly.
[0113] In some examples, the roller is continuously engaged with
the first tensioned element during the performance of an exercise.
Further, the first tensioned element may be engaged with the roller
when the exercise machine is not being used in the performance of
an exercise. In some cases, the second tensioned element is
continuously engaged with the roller during the performance of an
exercise. However, in some examples, the second tensioned element
is intermittently engaged with the roller during a performance of
an exercise. In such examples, the second tensioned element may or
may not be engaged with the roller when the exercise machine is not
being used during the performance of an exercise. For example, the
second tensioned element may engage the roller just as the roller
approaches the ends of the pedal beam's underside. Thus, while the
roller is moving along a mid-portion of the underside, the roller
may be engaged with just the first tensioned element. However, as
the roller approaches the ends of the tensioned elements, the
second tensioned element may engage the roller resulting in both
the first and the second tensioned elements being engaged with the
roller at the same time.
[0114] The first and the second tensioned elements may contribute
to providing forces that at least affect the movement of the
roller. The combined forces from the tensioned elements may cause a
significant increase in resistance to the rollers' forward or
backward movement.
[0115] In the illustrated example, the first tensioned element and
the second tensioned element are cables. However, any appropriate
type of tensioned element may be used in accordance with the
principles described in the present disclosure. For example, the
tensioned elements may be straps, bands, belts, members made of an
elastic material, other types of tensioned elements, or
combinations thereof. A non-exhaustive list of materials that may
be used in the tensioned element includes leather, fabric, rubber,
polymers, synthetic materials, elastic materials, rope, woven
materials, plastic, other materials, or combinations thereof.
[0116] Further, a third tensioned element and a fourth tensioned
element may also be attached to the underside of the pedal beam.
The third tensioned element may apply a force in the same, or at
least a similar direction, as the first tensioned element. The
fourth tensioned element may apply a force in the same, or at least
a similar direction, as the second tensioned element. For example,
the first and third tensioned elements may contact a top portion of
the roller, and the second and fourth tensioned elements may
contact a bottom portion of the roller. Any appropriate number of
tensioned elements may be used in accordance with the principles
described herein. In some cases, an uneven amount of tensioned
elements are used for different sides of the roller. For example,
more tensioned elements may engage the roller at a top side than
the bottom side or vice versa.
[0117] In some examples, an exercise machine includes at least one
internal load bearing surface that is integrated into the roller,
and the tensioned element guides the roller with the internal
lateral load bearing surface during the performance of the
exercise.
[0118] The internal load bearing surface may be incorporated into a
first groove and a second groove formed in a rolling surface of the
roller. Each of the first and second grooves may include a first
side wall, a second side wall, and a groove floor. The first and
second grooves may be sized to receive the tensioned elements
described above. For example, the first tensioned element may
engage the roller in a top side of the first groove, the second
tensioned element may engage the roller in the top side of the
second groove, the third tensioned element may engage the roller in
a bottom side of the first groove, and the fourth tensioned element
may engage the roller in the bottom side of the second groove. The
lateral load bearing surfaces may be capable of resisting the
tensioned element's lateral loads. Such lateral load bearing
surfaces may resist the roller, and therefore other components of
the roller's respective pedal assemblies, from significantly moving
in a lateral direction during the performance of an exercise. While
the tensioned elements may still allow for some lateral movement,
the first and second side walls may restrict the lateral movement
of the respective pedal assemblies during the performance of an
exercise.
[0119] In examples where at least one cable is used as a tensioned
element, the cable may have a diameter large enough to resist
lateral loads which may outperform flatter tensioned elements with
a small thickness. For example, straps with a relatively thin
thickness compared to the width of the strap risk buckling along
their width when a side load is imposed when the height of the load
bearing surface is approximately the thickness of the side wall.
Such buckling compromises the straps' ability to be retained by a
lateral load bearing surface as the strap may move over the lateral
load bearing surface. However, in examples incorporating a cable as
the tensioned element, the diameter of the cable may be sufficient
to resist lateral buckling thereby restraining the cable within the
groove. In examples where a cable is used and the height of the
side wall is about the diameter of the cable, the cable and side
wall can resist the lateral loads with much less risk of
buckling.
[0120] The grooves in the rolling surface may include any
appropriate dimension. For example, the width of the groove may
span majority of the rolling surface. In other instances, the width
of the groove may span less than five percent of the rolling
surface. The larger widths may allow straps to be engaged with the
rollers within the grooves. The bottom floor of the grooves may
include a flat profile, a curved profile, a symmetric profile, an
asymmetric profile, another type of profile, or combinations
thereof. Further, the depth of the groove may be greater than the
thickness of the tensioned element, greater than the diameter of
the tensioned element, about the height of the tensioned element,
smaller than the height of the tensioned element, or combinations
thereof.
[0121] In another embodiment, the crank assembly is in mechanical
communication with the resistance mechanism, and the crank assembly
includes a crank axle, a crank arm connected to the crank axle, and
a roller connected to a distal end of the crank arm. The exercise
machine includes a first pedal assembly movably attached to the
crank assembly and movable in the performance of an exercise, and a
second pedal assembly movably attached to the crank assembly and
movable in the performance of the exercise.
[0122] Each of the first pedal assembly and the second pedal
assembly include a pedal beam and a tensioned element spanning at
least a portion of an underside of the pedal beam. At least a
portion of the resistance mechanism is disposed between the first
pedal assembly and the second pedal assembly.
[0123] The transmission may include a transmission belt, a
transmission chain, another type of transmission linkage, or
combinations thereof that connects the flywheel to the crank axle.
The transmission may connect to a flywheel axle or to an outer
surface of the flywheel. Likewise, another end of the transmission
may connect directly to the crank axle or to another portion of the
crank assembly in communication with the crank axle.
[0124] As the user moves the pedal beams of the first and second
pedal assemblies, the crank assembly causes the crank axle to
rotate. The flywheel moves with the rotation of the pedal axle
through the linkage of the transmission. Thus, as the resistance is
increased to rotate the flywheel, the resistance is transmitted to
the movement of the crank assembly through the crank axle.
[0125] In some examples, the rotation of the flywheel, and
therefore the rotation of the pedal axle and the first and second
pedal assemblies is resisted through with a magnetic force. Such a
magnetic force may be imposed on the flywheel from a magnetic unit
that is adjacent the flywheel. The magnetic unit may be movable
with respect to the flywheel. In such examples, the magnetic
resistance on the flywheel may be changed by moving the magnetic
unit with respect to the flywheel. In other examples, the magnetic
force from the magnetic unit can be altered with varying amounts of
electrical power. In these examples, the amount of magnetic
resistance imposed on the flywheel may be varied by altering the
amount of electrical power supplied to the magnetic unit.
[0126] While the examples above have been described with multiple
tensioned elements in a pedal assembly, just a single tensioned
element may be used to engage the roller. Further, any appropriate
number of tensioned elements may be used in the pedal assemblies.
For example, the pedal assemblies may use a single tensioned
element, two tensioned elements, three tensioned elements, four
tensioned elements, more than four tensioned elements, an even
number of tensioned elements, an odd number of tensioned elements,
or combinations thereof.
[0127] Additionally, while the examples above have been described
with a specific number of flywheels, any appropriate number of
flywheels may be used in accordance to the disclosure. For example,
the exercise machine may incorporate a single flywheel, two
flywheels, more than two flywheels, an even number of flywheels, an
odd number of flywheels, or combinations thereof.
* * * * *